(SANITIZED) PROPOSAL 9499-0003

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP79B00873A002900020082-2
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 34
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: November 15, 2012
• Sequence Number: 82
• Publication Date: November 25, 1966
• Content Type: LETTER

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A
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Novtimber 25, 1966
Subject: I Proposal 9499 -0003
Attachments: Introduction
System Description
Discussion of Specifications
Proposed Equipment
Price and Delivery, Terms and Conditions
VR-2000 Data
Data on a Slow Motion Television Recorder
E Video Communications Systems
is pleased to submit this proposal in response to your request
for a Magnetic Tape to Photo Reproducer, dated 8 September 1966.
Information contained in this pro osal relative to the disc recorder is considered
proprietary with and should not be duplicated, used or disclosed
in whole or in part for any purpose other than to evaluate the proposal.
The proposal consists of this letter and the above referenced attachments. If you
have any questions or require any further information, please do not hesitate to
contact us. For most expeditious service, please contact our local en-
tative in, your area,
Very truly yours,
Manager
Product Management Department
Audio/Video Communications Division
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The Magnetic Tape to Photo Reproducer system which is the subject of this proposal
provides the capability of production of highest quality photographic images from
selected portions of quadruplex-type Videotape recorded. in any of the international
recording standards. The.system includes anF?VR-2000 for Videotape play
back with plug-in. interchangeability for all international tape standards. In order
to provide short term picture storage capability for selection of the desired frame
to be photographed,. a high resolution Video Disc Recorder is furnished.
The output of the disc recorder drives a high resolution,, flat-faced. kinescope type.
monitor complemented by a group of image enhancement controls. The final link
in the chain, is. a large negative camera (4 x 5) capable of producing high. resolution
negatives with standard-type sheet or pack films or quick development positives
with Polaroid-type emulsions. The, indivdual components will be combined and en-
gineered to operate as in_integrated system with a maxiumum degree of maintain-
ability and flexibility. Special precautions will be taken to contain video signals
within the equipment to prevent interference with other electronic devices in the
:immediate vicinity of the reproduce system.
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DO 6 00000 00 0
0 0
O O-
0 0 0
MAGNETIC TAPE-TO-PHOTO
REPRODUCER
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SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
1.0 The video tape to photograph conversion system which is the subject of
this proposal is shown in block diagram form in Figure $. It consists of
a VR-2000 video tape recorder/reproducer, a magnetic disc recorder/
reproducer for short term storage of the video image, a. high resolution
monitor with signal enhancement- capabilities and a;till camera. The
system is designed to accept tapes made in any of the world line and frame
rate standards in common use and convert them to high resolution still
photographs. . The following description covers the various components of
the system.
1. 1 Video Tape Recorder/ Reproducer
In 1956 introduced the video tape .recorder. This
device was the first to allow recording of standard.525 line 60 field black
.and white U. S. television signals on other than photographic film. The
quality, re-useability and ease of editing and program assembly of the
magnetic tape recording method then made the tape recorder the standard
.signal storage medium for the television industry. The VR-1000 equipment
as that recorder was called subsequently achieved worldwide acceptance
and was necessarily provided with capabilities for recording other broad-
casting line and field rate standards.
With the advent of color television and the need for higher signal quality
brought about the the 625 line European television standards, in the past
few years it has proven desirable to achieve a measure of performance
improvement which was simply not available on the VR31000 with its
deviation standards, yet it was necessary to maintain compatibility with
all previous recording systems. The result of and answer to this need
was the introduction byl lof the VR-2000 in 1965.. This recorder
through the use of superior signal electronics, and heads, was able to
raise.the FM deviation frequencies sufficiently to allow vastly improved
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DISC
Storage
Vertical +
Horizontal
APEPTURE
COMP
I-~I
Signal
Enhancement
Monitor Camera
4x5 4x5
DiSp[ay
Video Playback Frame or Field Hold Non- Linear 2x1 Magnification Sheet Film
525/60 50 or 60 Frame Amplification Spot Wobble Ground Glass
625/50 Speed Polaroid
405/50 plug-ins
8[9/50
FIGURE I
VIDEO SYSTEM BLOCK DIAGRAM
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signal integrity, frequency response and freedom from spurious signal
products. In addition, the capability was maintained to play back any tapes
recorded on the previous "low band" deviation standards.
The.VR-2000 included in this system provides the maximum playback
performance for any tape, regardless of the source of the original record-
ing. Playback plug-in filters and deviation selectors are provided signal
standards of 525/60, 625/50, 405/50 and 819/50 with both high and low band
recording options as applicable. The equipment performance will be as.
given on the enclosed specification sheet.
1.. 2 Video Disc Slow Motion Recorder
In order to provide short term storage for frame examination and selection,
and advanced design video storage disc assembly is proposed. This unit
will accept and record video data without degradation in any of the line and
frame rate standards mentiolned. The last 30 seconds of playback are
stor&id in the disc buffer, and when the recording process is terminated,
these stored images may be examined. a frame at a. time.in slow o~ stop
motion? to select the most suitable one for photography. When One desired
frame of field is found, it is held by the disc for adjustment of the monitor
and the final photography.
Previous disc recording assemblies- available did not provide the bandwidth
or signal integrity needed in this application for best picture reproduction.
Their frequency response performance was limited to below 4 MHz and the
time base stability of the reproduced frame was insufficient for high
resolution -presentation without image degradation.. There was also no
provision for operation at 50 field per second rates required for foreign
TV standards. The disc proposed provides signal integrity and>`
quality sufficient to record. color as well as black a nd white signals- with-a
quality which compliments that obtained with the VR-2000. The disc
system is further described in the attached material entitled "Data on a
Slow Motion Television Recorder".
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1. 3 Aperture Compensators
In order to provide the best possible image. which. may be obtained.from the
incoming video),. it is often possible to. increase the apparent definition of
the image by boosting the high frequency. response of the data. This process
gives betterdinition.to the edges of the image at the expense of some high
frequency noise addition, If enough range is available in the aperture
correcture correctors, the image may appear to be outlined. and this may
make possible the identification of shapes which were not easily perceived
in the unprocessed picture.
Horizontal aperture correctors have been used to a great extent in commercial
television systems to compensate for the transmission losses within a studio
camera chain and achieve an overall flat response, The techniques for
accomplishing horizontal aperture correction and the results obtained are
well known.
Experimental evidence has shown that the enhancement effect obtained by
vertical aperture correction is at least as great as that which may be
obtained in the horizontal direction. Only recently has the availability of
high quality one line delay lines and reliability of solid state circuitry made
it possible to impliment a vertical aperture correction system.
Figure 2. shows a simplified block diagram of a combined horizontal and
vertical aperture corrector, . The input signal is called. V(t), the one line
'delayed signal. V(t-tl) and the two line delayed signal V(t-2t1)e - For
vertical correction tl must be equal to. the line- scan time which must be a
switchable value to, correspond. to the various line standards required for
this system. The vertical correction signal V(t-tl) 1/2V (t) - 1/2V(t-2t1)
is added to the one time delayed. signal. V(t-tl) < The amount of the first
signal added to the one line delayed signal determines the amount, of edge
enhancement obtained.
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One-line delay Iinec. (Switchable)
Video it) o.
100 na nosec.
delay line
1
vertical corr. signal
Horiz.corr, signal
00 nanosec. delay lines
video signal
o Video out
FIG.2 SIMPLIFIED 5LOCK DIAGRAM OF COMBINED
HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL APERTURE CORRECTOR
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Horizontal aperture correction is obtained through the processing of
the one line delayed. signal V(t-t1) which is now the reference signal.
The horizontal corrector uses delay lines approximately the length of
a.picture element (100 nsec)..;.The horizontal correction signal is then
equal to V(t-t1-tr) - 1/2V(t-tl) - 1/2V (t-tl-2t r), The amouit of this
signal injected determines the degree of correction.
It can be readily seen that in both of the above systems that the delayed
signals are inverted. and mixed with the, original signal.. Low frequency
signals which- are identical in the delayed. and undelayed channels are
cancelled by the phase inversion while high frequency signals come
through. undiminished. The process is a linear one as the cancellation
process is one of both phase and amplitude, but the net effect is high
frequency boost without differential phase shift of the various video
frequencies.
1.4 Other. Signal Enhancement
As additional.,ifeatures to allow maximum enhancement of the video signal
prior to photography,. an equalizer bay is included` with the system with
the capabilities for non-linear amplification of the video signal. This bay
provides a selection of linearity curves which allows expansion of the
near-black or near-white area to allow contrast improvement of marginal
signals. This is the type of processing called "black stretch" or "white
stretch". The controls can be adjusted to produce logarithmic and
exponential amplification curves as well as amplification of signals which
.are above or below a given threshold.
One of the most critical elements of the system and the limiting one if
attainable output resolution is the output monitor. The monitor chosen
for this system represents the best device. obtainable commensurate witl1
the switchable standard requirements, . Spot wobble is not included to
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reduce the visibility of the line pattern on the screen as. it would interfere
with.the definition of the picture during the'primary reduction mode which
is envisioned to be 625 lines.
Due to phospher noise and light scattering from the tube faceplate, even
though the spot size of the monitor is theretically small enough to reproduce
.0 the detail inherent in the video signal, in practice there is a small loss
in resolution, In the. event this loss is unacceptable,, the. monitor is provided
with the. capability of increasing the. vertical andhorizontal. sweep width to
provide.a 2/1 electronic magnification, This, overscan then allows the. video
signal to become the resolution- limit rather .than the. spot :size and light
scattering properties of the monitor faceplate,
1.6 Camera
The,camera utilized for this sytem is ,a standard type designed for photography
of oscilloscopes and other such displays. The camera utilizes a standard
Graflok back. which allows the. quick interchange of ground glass for fine
focusing and both sheet film and Polaroid type backs depending, on the type
of, film stock desired. Due to the use, of the disc. recorder, longer exposures
can be, utilized: than would normally be. available for single frame photography,
also allows some integration of the electronle.noise of the system over the
period of the photograph.
crease in the available resolution of the lens. The longer exposure. time
thus, allowing the.use of higher F stops in the camera with a consequent
1.1 initial Operation of System
In order .to assure . optimum operation of the system from the time. of initial
insulation, will provide a contract service engineer who originally
parfi:ci.pated.in the, video system integration. This man will be, one of the
elite group of service., engineers 'who keep equipment in top
operating condition in all .applications throughout the world. He will assist
in the. equipment operation during the first year of operation and train
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customer personnel in operation. and, maintenance, of the system as. well
as methods of attaining optimum signal enhancement, The engineer will
be. cleared to the necessary level for access to the.. operating facilities.
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DISCUSSION OF SPECIFICATIONS
. General Configuration.
As stated in the description of equipment, the basic Video Recorder/Reproducer
with switching and plug-in modules for tape recorded on standards of 525/60,
625/50, 405/50,. and ` 819/50 standards. The VR-2000 is now the standard for world-
wide color recording and as such has unequaled capacity for subsequent updating to
chosen for this system is the ~Model VR-X2000. This equipment is furnished
full color capability. It is only necessary to add the
modules to the VR-2000 to achieve a. fully color compatible recorder/reproducer.
Stop Motion.
The high- quality disc-type recorder described in the attached information will be
furnished, for a temporary storage and frame-by-frame examination required.
R --......
This recorder in its electronics section utilizes approximately the same electronics
as the VRg2'000 recorder and as such has the same capability for subsequent up-
dating to color. To our knowledge, it is the only disc unit available with sufficient
signal integrity and capability to allow color playback of NT.SC -type color signals::'
The disc recorder is provided with- a capability of frame or field single hold output as,
well as frame-by-frame or slow motion advance.
. Display
A kinescope-type flat-faced monitor described in the attached information will
present the.imagery for photographing. This device will include the usual contrast:
and brightness controls as well as standard switching. and electronic magnification
controls.
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Photography
The camera provided for this system, as previously described, will incorporate
a 4 x 5 in. .,frame size for recording the CRT imago.. A fine focus control will be
external to the camera and focusing will be done in relation to a ground glass or
split image focusing plate provided., An exposure meter will be provided for
exposure. adjustment and setting of the camera. The camera., has a standard
Graflok badk,-with adjustable positions.and will be provided with both a cut and
sheet film holder and a Polaroid-type film back.
Integration
Construction and integration of the system will be accomplished by the Special
Products Department of
This group. is experienced in the
construction of.video-type systems and has produced some of the best mobile
and stationary studio-type video recording and transmitting equipment installa-
tions in use today. Typical of the quality and type of equipment produced is the
first mobile color van recently delivered to a Texas broadcasting station. This
van is in continuous use for color telecasting.of such programs as football games.
It provides the total capability of a television station on wheels and was well accepted
by the station involved.in respect to the human engineering factors of the mobile
system. This station was placed on the air within one day after its arrival in Texas
.from and has been in almost continuous operation ever since with no
maintenance or necessity for design changes for operator convenience.. In the
Special Products Department,
provides to the customer the services of a
unique group of user oriented people capable of integration of such a system. The
attached brochure describes more of the capabilities of this department.
Image" Enhancement
All image enhancement techniques referenced in the system description will be
provided. These include vertical and horizontal aperture equalization, black. and
white stretch or variable linearity amplification and electronic magnification
controls on the "monitor.
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. Radio Frequency Interference
Special attention will be given during the interface design of the system for
suppression of radio frequency interference. In this regard, most attention
will be paid to the disc recorder as this is envisioned. to be the primary source
of intelligence interference.. This is due to the fact that the disc unit must
record as well as reproduce signals which involves a. much higher power level
of the video intelligence than the video reproducer.. It is envisioned that the
final system will be subjected to an emission test as referenced in Federal
Standard 222. The results of this emission test will be furnished to determine
if additional shielding such. as an overall screen room will be required for the
system orif the. system will be. acceptable without additional shielding. If it is
'found that, despite precautions in the equipment design, additional shielding is
necessary to meet the customer's'requirements, the actual shielding and/or
screen room construction will be negotiated, separately.
. Physical and Operational Considerations
The. only facilities necessary for the operation of this equipment will be 110 volt
single, phase power.. All, other supplies will,be internal in the equipment.
Size
The maximum size of :any component of the equipment wi41 be that of the VR-2000
recorder itself. This device. has a height of 63 inches, and width of 65 inches and
a depth of 31 inches.' .,Its maximum weight is 1300 pounds;:,,. ; All other units will
be considerably smaller than the video recorder.
Safety Hazards
The equipment proposed herein is designed. for the television broadcasting industry
in general. As. such special considerations are taken for operator's safety and
many interlocks and guards, are provided to prevent contact with the high voltage
and high power circuitry.
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. Installation Instructions
The attached block diagram an9. dimensions indicate the space- required for
installation of the equipment. Basically the space required consists of five.
standard relay rack widths and depths.
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Figure 3. Outline Dimensions
Video System
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PROPOSED EQUIPMENT
The Magnetic Tape to Photo Reproducer System will consist of the following
integrated set of components:
anti
Description
Band to include:
One (1) Cabinet assembly containing tape transport and all
electronics
One (1) Tape Timer
One (1) "A" Scope Monitor
One (1) Air Bearing Kit
One (1) 12-1/2. inch Takeup
One (1) Alignment Tape
Two (2) Instruction Manuals
One (1) Micrometer Dial Indicator
One (1) Head Demagnetizer
One (1) Set Hex Key Wrenches
One (1) Touch-upi Paint Kit
One (1) A. C._ Power- Cable
One (1) Audio Cue- Channel
Model VR-2000: V..deotape Recorder /Reproducer High/Low
2 Mark Ten Video Head Assemblies
1 Monitor Assembly
6 Deviations standards modules for the following standards:
525/60 High and low band
625/50 High and low band
819/50 High band
405/50 Low band-
Plus associated low pass filters and equalizers
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Proposed Equipment
Page 2
anti Description
Slow Motion Video Disc storage system for operation
at both 50 and 60 fields per second. Internal. recording will be
done with 625/50 High Band standard deviations with low pass
filters switched . in. for optimum performance at 405 and 525 line
standards.
1 Vertical aperture compensator for 405, 525, 625 and 819 line
operation.
Video signal processing module incorporating:
a. Choice of four gamma laws
b. Horizontal aperture correction with the choice of two
cutoff frequencies
Flat face kinescope type monitor for operation at standards of
405/50, 525/60,. 625/50 and. 819/50.. Monitor will include con-
trast and brightness controls as well as standard switching and
electronic magnification. controls over a_ 2. x. 1 range.
1 Camera Assembly with. 4 x 5 film size including ground glass or
split screen focussing, 4: x. 5 sheet film and film pack back plus
Polaroid adapter back.
1 Exposure meter.
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NO. 9499-0003
PROPOSAL
PRICE AND DELIVERY, TERMS AND CONDITIONS
is pleased to quote the following fixed prices on the~ Magnetic
Tape to Photograph Reproduction System.
The price quoted is based on the integration of previously developed components
into an operational system. Accordingly the cost-type progress reports
requested in the technical specification will not be furnished. This type report-
ing is applicable only to a Research and Development type contract.. In lieu of
these reports, a technical type progress report will be submitted on a monthly
basis.
Item 1. One (1) I Magnetic Tape to Photo Reproducer System as
described in the attached technical proposal.
Unit Price :..... ...............
Delivery of this system can be accomplished 6 months after receipt of
firm purchase order by or February 1968 which-
ever is later.
The testing of the Magnetic Tape to Photo Reproducer System to the requirements
of FED STD. 222 is considered of indeterminate value in this circumstance due
to the type signal produced by the video recorder. For this reason, we have
chosen to include the cost of testing to this specification as an optional extra. We
would be pleased.to discuss this problem further with your technical representatives
at a later date.
Item 2 Testing of the completed Magnetic Tape to Photo Reproducer System to
FED SPEC. 222. This item only covers testing the equipment. Any
modifications determined to be necessary after the test performance
will be the subject of separate negotiations.
THIS PROPOSAL AND THE PRICES QUOTED HEREIN ARE BASED UPON THE UNDERSTANDING THATISTANDARD TERMS AND CONDITI 25X1
SALE. APPEARING ON THE REVERSE SIDE HEREOF. SHALL BE APPLICABLE TO ANY SALE. AND THAT YOUR ORDER SHALL BE RECEIVED BY -N~ B-Fl
NO LATER THAN THIRTY 1301 DAYS FROM THE DATE HEREOF. YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THIS PROPOSAL ON THE TERMS HEREIN STATED SHALL BE L,~A
INDICATED BY OUR RECEIPT OF YOUR ORDER.
UC.425
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PROPOSAL
Unit Price ......................................
This testing can be completed 30 days after system assembly.
This proposal is submitted on the basis of Standard Contractual
Terms and Conditions indicated on the reverse side of this letter. The
prices quoted herein are based on the understanding that your order will
be received by no later than sixty (60) days from the date of this
proposal. If an extension is required, please contact your local sales
THIS PROPOSAL AND THE PRICES QUOTED HEREIN ARE BASED UPON THE UNDERSTANDING THAT STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITI riX
SALE. APPEARING ON THE REVERSE SIDE HEREOF. SHALL BE APPLICABLE TO ANY SALE. AND THAT O R ORDER SHALL BE RECEIVED BY 25X1
NO LATER THAN THIRTY 1301 DAYS FROM THE DATE HEREOF. YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THIS PROPOSAL ON THE TERMS HEREIN STAYED SH
INDICATED BY OUR RECEIPT OF YOUR ORDER.
UC-425
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DATA ON A SLOW MOTION TELEVISION RECORDER
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The equipment described herein will record standard television signals
and reproduce them either at the standard rate or in stop motion or
slow motion. By means of a continuous updating process, the previous
30 seconds of program is always available for replay unless interrupted
by periods of playback.
The equipment is designed for either studio or mobile use and may be
operated from a small remote control panel. This allows the rack
mounted. recorder to be located where convenient in the studio or vehicle.
2.0 EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION
2.1. GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The recorder comprises a number of units designed for mounting in a
standard 19-inch rack.. A local monitor is furnished to display the frame
of field being observed. The equipment records only video signals and is
designed to operate from 115V, 60 cps power.. Controls. are provided. for
playing back slow or stop motion and for searching the previously recorded
video. When the desired. action has been located, the picture is held in
stop motion. for photography.
2.2 . THE DISC TRANSPORT
2.2.1 Disc Drive. This consists basically oftwo 16 -inch diameter discs mounted
.on a common shaft which is rotated.at 3600 RPM (3000 RPM for 50 field
data). The discs, which are about 1/4 inch thick,, are highly polished and
plated. with nickel-cobalt. The process. is carefully controlled to produce
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the desired coercivity in the magnetic material and,, to reduce head
separation losses, has a surface finish better than 6 microinches peak-
to-peak.. A final "flash" coating of Rhodium prevents tarnishing and
improves the durability of the surface.
The disc and shaft assembly is driven by a printed circuit DC motor
operating in conjunction with the Motor Drive Amplifier and Servo
system.
The disc transport is contained. in a.dust-proof housing since: it is
essential to keep the disc surfaces free from dirt.
Both sides of each disc are used.to obtain a storage capacity of 450 TV
fields per side, using a maximum radius of 8. inches and. a. minimum
radius of 3-1/2 inches. The principle used is to select a minimum
writing speed adequate for the bandwidth desired. This controls the
choice of minimum radius. Writing speeds in excess of this minimum
are encountered nearer the disc periphery but, since the shortest
recorded wavelength is long compared with the gap length of the video
head, the changes in playback frequency response are not excessive.
Compensation for these changes in response will be discussed under
2.11.
2.2.2 Head Carriage.. Four (4) Head. Carriages are required, one for each
side of both discs. The assembly, consists of a stepping motor with a
spring-loaded split pinion gear.: This works in conjunction with, a -rack
sliding in a groove.. A small video head. assembly is mounted on the
end of the rack and is spring-loaded on the disc surface. Pressure
between the head and the disc is adjusted to no more than 3 grams so
that friction between the highly polished disc and head tip is negligible.
The rack has 450 teeth so that the head may be positioned to record or
play back any one of 450 concentric tracks,.
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2.2.3 Carriage MDA (Motor Drive Amplifier) . In order to move the head,
carriage, pulses are applied to the stepping motor via the Carriage
MDA. Time taken for the head to move to an adjacent rack is about
16 milliseconds.
2.2.4 RAPA (Record. Amplifier and Preamplifier). . A RAPA is mounted
adjacent to each video head, keeping the flexible connecting lead. as
short as possible.. Capacity is not a problem due to the low impedance
of the head and its input circuit.
2.2.5 Once Around Tachometer. This consists of a photo-diode and lamp.
There is a black mark. on the disc, at the, appropriate point for the
timini reference.
2.2.6 High .Resolution Tachometer.. A photo-etched disc is used, having
3012 segments, together with a lamp and photo-diode.
2.3 RECORDING THE VIDEO SIGNAL
2. 3. 1 The FM Signal System. The FM Signal.System is of new design very
similar to that used on theVR-2000 Video Recorder. It uses
the same high band standards in order to eliminate the second order
FM sidebands. Consequently the system is very suitable for recording
color signals having a subcarrier which might otherwise cause. moire
patterning effects.
The modulator, demodulator, record amplifier, and switcher are .
designed for a 6 MHz video bandwidth including the head-to-disc
recording process.. With 525 line-operation and the bandwidth
restricted to 4. 2. MHz, a larger deviation may be used `without causing
the upper sidebana to fall outside the equalized RF bandwidth which
normally extends out to 14. MHz. For this. reason signal-to-noise ratio
is about 3 db better with the 525 line system than with 6 MHz 625 line
system.
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it is not within the scope of this proposal to describe the signal system
in any detail since the units are almost identical to those used on all
Videotape recorders of recent design.
2. 3.2 Recorded Format. There are four disc sides available for recording
and four head carriage assemblies. In the record mode the action of
these head carriages is as follows:
Suppose we designate the disc sides 1, 2, 3 and 4. The first incoming
TV field is recorded on Disc 1 by Head 1; the second incoming: TV
field is recorded on Disc 2 by Head 2. This completes the recording
of Frame No. 1.
The third incoming field is recorded on Disc 3 by Head 3; the fourth
incoming field is recorded in Disc 4 by Head 4. This completes
Frame 2.
In each case, immediately following the recording of a field, the
carriage stepping motor receives two pulses causing two indexing
movements, thereby leaving a space for interlacing another track
when the head finally returns from, the innermost limit of its travel.
Thus, approximately 30 milliseconds after recording a field. any one
head is indexed to a new track and ready for the next recording. The
recording sequency proceeds as, follows:
Field 5 is recorded on Disc 1, Track 2
Field 6 is recorded on Disc 2, Track 2
Field 7 is recorded on Disc 3, Track 2
Field 8. is recorded on Disc 4, Track 2
This reciprocating motion continues until each disc has 225 fields
recorded. per side.
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This corresponds to the innermost limit of travel. on the disc.
The first movement of a head back toward the. periphery is only one
track width (plus guard band). The succeeding movement is a double
track width. This sequence results in an interlacing of~the recorded
tracks.
The head finally reaches the outermost track and reverses direction
making only one track width movement, foll.owed by two movements.
It will now be writing over the first fields previously recorded.
Thus, in the way described. above we have continuous updating of the
recorded picture. For an equipment of the capacity described, this
means that the last 30 seconds of recorded information. is always
available.
. 2.4 . PLAYBACK AT NORMAL SPEED
For playback at normal speed the head movements are exactly the same
as for the recording mode.. The heads, are, of course, now connected
to a preamplifier for playback into the demodulator,
2.5 STOP MOTION
For stop motion, the preamplifier and demodulator remain connected to
a single head, the single field being repeated for as long: as required.
The processing of these fields into EIA interlaced. signals is discussed
under 2. 8.
2.6 SLOW MOTION
Slow motion is achieved by extending the principle of stop motion. Field 1
is repeated five times in the proposed equipment. This is followed by
Field 2 which is repeated five times and so on. This results in a slow-
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down in the playback of 5 to 1 so that the.ori.gian 30 seconds of
recording will be played back over a 2 -1/2 minute period.
Thus, the system described, by repeating fields rather than frames,
produces the best possible slow motion from a.TV system.. In re-
constituting the picture into frames, there is a loss in vertical
resolution which is barely perceptible under normal viewing conditions.
Moreover, there is a coijsiderable improvement in overall sharpness
due to reduced movement blur.:, As, a typical example, consider the
taking camera is an Image Orthicon.type operating one stop above the
"knee". The exposure time, or the time taken for the .target to reach
90% of its 2-volt potential is less than 610 second for wide spaced types
such as the 5820. Thus, each field is sharply defined and should not be
;played back on the basis of repeating frames which will result in double.:
images of fast-moving objects.
In the case of non-moving subjects, better definition may be obtained
in a stop-frame mode. In this case, the equipment is provided with the
stop frame rather than stop field display, depending on a. switch
position.
ARTIFICIAL INTERLACE
Successive playing of a single field results in a non-interlaced picture.
This problem is easily resolved by means of a half-.line video delay.
The principle used is to play back the vertical sync undelayed, but to
switch the video of alternate fields through the one-half line delay.
The glass delay line is well suited. to this application. Since the signal.
is already in FM form as it leaves the channel equalizers, it can be
heterodyned up to at least 60 MHz,passed through the delay line and
heterodyned down again. In this way, the delay line behaves like a wide
bandwidth IF amplifier.
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2.8 LOGIC CIRCUITS
The record. and playback switchers require suitable logic signals for
the selection of heads or amplifiers at the correct moment in time in
order to achieve the Record, Stop Motion and Slow Motion sequences
described. Logic is also required for the head carriages to correctly
time the indexing movements. The proposed design makes use of the
next types of integrated circuit logic wherever possible, in the interests
of reliability and circuit simplicity.
2.9 SERVO SYSTEM
The disc assembly is driven by a printed circuit type DC motor,
The operating sequence from standstill is as follows:
1. The DC motor, driven by a DC Motor Drive Amplifier, brings
the disc assembly up to synchronous speed.
2. As the disc. rotates, pulses from the Once Around Tachometer are
compared with the incoming vertical sync pulses in a digital
comparator. The difference signals are fed through compensating
networks into the MDA which. applies the necessary correction to
the motor until the vertical sync and tachometer pulses are
coincident.
3, The high resolution tachometer provides 3012 pulses per resolution
to a damping loop which reduces disc hunting.
4. When conditions have stabilized, the incoming horizontal sync
pulaes are compared with the horizontal sync pulses played back
off the disc until the required, phase lock is achieved.
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5. Remaining time base errors now fall within the correction range
of the AMTEC delay lines, so that pictures off the disc can be
super-imposed on pictures from other sources operating from
the same Sync Generator.
2.10 RADIUS COMPENSATION
A problem peculiar to the use of discs is the need for radius compensa-
tion. In order to achieve the longest possible playing time it is
necessary to tolerate a considerable change in writing speed and make
corrections for the resultant changes in frequency response.
In the system proposed the maximum writing speed is 3000 inches per
second, at a radius of 8 inches. With 450 tracks at 100 per inch,. the
inside radius is 3. 5 inches with a writing speed of 1320 ips,
The response of the channel equalizers is variable by means of an applied
voltage. It is, therefore, possible to apply an approximate correction
for the radius change from a. potentiometer on the head carriage assembly.
2.11 REMOTE CONTROL PANEL
The following controls are located on the remote control panel,. and their
function is self explanatory.
Record-Start
Record-Stop
Playback Normal Speed
Playback Slow Motion
Playback Stop Motion
Fast Search, Forward. and Reverse
Rest to Zero
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In addition, an Elapsed Seconds indicator is servo-coupled to the
position of #1 Head Carriage. Thus, in addition to operating as a
seconds counter at normal speeds, the indicator will accurately
follow the movement of the head carriage on slow motion or fast
search.
3.0 SPECIFICATIONS
3.1 Physical Characteristics
Dimensions
Height: 61 inches
Weight: 800 lbs. maximum
Width: 24 inches
Depth: : 28 inches
Temperature . and. Humidity
Temperature: 00 to 559 C
Relative Humidity: 30% to 90%
Power Requirements
Input Power: 117 volts + 10%, tapped for 105-115-125 volts, 60 cycle,
30 amps (will regulate and operate without changing taps
from 105-125 volts)
230 volts + 5%, tapped for 210-220-230-240-250 volts,
50 cycle, 15 amps.
Convenience Outlet: 4 outlets fused for 16A total
Signal Requirements
Video Composite Signal: 0. 5 to 1. 5 volts peak-to-peak composite, sync
negative.
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ti
525 Line Monochrome 405 Line Monochrome
525 Line NTSC Color 819 Line Monochrome or SECAM
625 Line PAL Color 625 Line SECAM Color
75 ohm unbalanced
Sync Input: 75 ohms, 2 to 8 volt peak-to-peak
Operating Characteristics
Record Time: 30 seconds
Playback Time: 2-1/2 minutes (5/1 slow motion)
Continuous Updating
The last 30 seconds available except when interrupted for playback
Fast Search Facilities
Required action for playback can be found by remote control, aided by
a seconds counter.
Stop Motion -
Single frames can be played continuously.
Animation Rate
When playing 5/1 slow motion,. each field is repeated 5 times with
artificial interlace. The animation .rate is then 12 per second.
Stability
Jitter (Inter-sync playback), i, e. , timing variations with respect to
reference sync occurring at rates greater than 1 cps excluding video
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field rate. multiples less than 0. 5 usec peak-to- peak with AMTEC off.
Standards
The recorder::js. supplied for all standard operation. It will utilize
625 line High Band Standards for all internal recording with switchable
low pass filters to optimize signal-to-noise ratio in 405 and 525 line
operation.
- Monitoring Facilities
Video: A video monitor and a Tektronix waveform monitor are
available.
Accessory Equipment Needed for Color Operation
1. AMTEC
2. COLORTEC
Video Performance 525/60 High Band
values referenced to 100 kc
Signal-to-Noise Ratio:
MONOCHROME
Bandwidth:
Response will be within + 1 db of .these
(. 02. ,# .sec or less rise time
4, 5 MHz - 3 db
40 db peak-to-peak video
to rms noise(Monochrome
and Color)
Maximum K factor 3%
Rise Time. - 0.12 /sec. maximum
Transient Response:
(Utilizing 2T sine2 pulse)
Low Frequency Linearity:
on input pulse)
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2% Blanking to White (Max.)
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.,
COLOR
Bandwidth:
with NTSC input, Luminance
Signal-to-Noise Ratio:
Differential Gain
Differential Phase:
Moire:
(Color bars 75% modulation, 3.58 MHz)
Video. (International)
MONOCHROME
Bandwidth :
Response will be within + 1 db of these
values referenced to 100 kc
Signal-to-Noise Ratio:
Transient Response:
(Utilizing 2T sine2 pulse)
Low Frequency Linearity:
Rise Time:
2.5 MHz- 3 db
40 db peak-to-peak
video to rms noise
Less than 4% Blanking
to White
Less than 5? at 3. 58 MHz
off disc
625/50 High Band
6. 0 MHz - 3db
40 db peak-to-peak
video to rms noise
(Monochrome & Color)
Maximum K factor 3%
2% Blanking to White(Max.)
0.08 /sec maximum
(0. 02 lusec or less rise time on input pulse)
Video
405 lines 50 field (Monochrome )
Performance Specs, for 625/50.
819 lines 50 field (Monochrome or SECAM Color)
Performance Specs, as for 625/50.
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